While it cannot top La Scala in Milan, Berlin's most famous opera house is just as spectacular and impressive as most of the world's premier opera houses. The neo-classical building on Unter den Linden was designed in the early 18th century by Knobelsdorff, King Friedrich II's architect. Interestingly, it was the first major German theatre not to have been attached to a palace. The State Opera House has been redeveloped several times over the centuries, the last changes being made just after the Second World War. The opera is directed by Daniel Barenboim, who is credited with having massively improved the quality of productions.